Elizabeth, Mother of John

​God provides joy in our lives but some people have to wait almost a lifetime to receive it. For Elizabeth, relative of Mary and wife to Zechariah a priest, it was a child. She was in her 80s when she gave birth to John and it was all about God’s timing.
 
The Visit and Announcement
Zechariah was in his term of entering the innermost part of the Temple when he was visited and told about his future son. Of course he did not believe this because he was way too old to be a father much less Elizabeth being well past her birthing years. So the messenger made him mute. In fact, he was not even able to tell Elizabeth that she would be with child. What a surprise that was going to be.
 
Both Zechariah and Elizabeth were Levites so to be barren and no heir meant that they were looked down upon by all. It was considered a disgrace not to have children especially being a daughter of a priest so to be told about having a child at that late age would have been seen as a joke. When she announced her pregnancy there must have been many controversies and naysayers especially since Zechariah was deaf and mute. But God has a plan.
 
Mary Seeks Refuge
Elizabeth was six months along when Mary came to visit. Mary was just barely into her first term and sought protection being an unwed pregnant youth. The story goes that at the first meeting, John lept with excitement in Elizabeth’s womb so she knew there was something special about both children. Mary is immediately taken in until the decree for a census had been given.  
 
Elizabeth, Mother of John
Mary was there for the birth of John and then was whisked away for the next miraculous birth to occur. During this time Zechariah was given his hearing and his speech back but had to remain silent about the coming birth of Jesus. What a blessing and a curse. It must have been hard for both of them. Zechariah did not live much longer and Elizabeth died while John was still young but understood his mission. I imagine that Elizabeth was able to see the truth of things before she died but imagine the joy that she must have known and the peace she received.
 
Mother of the Pronouncer of Truth
Elizabeth bore John who would become the one who introduced Jesus to Israel through baptism. She became the mother of the one who would cry in the desert wilderness for the Lamb of God, the Word in the Flesh. It would be John who was given the opportunity to pave the way for the repentance of man through cleansing and it was his mission to announce Jesus’ arrival.
 
Elizabeth was a barren woman used by God to bring forth the man would be called John the Baptist.
 
Heavenly Father, Gracious Lord, If it be Thy Will, bless those who are barren so they may conceive. Bless those who have had children so that they bring the child up in Your ways and not the ways of the world. Guide all parents to be after Your heart and fill the children with Your Word. In this time of pain, suffering, and many unknowns, be with us and fill us with the Hope that You are beside us and have not left us to the devil’s enjoyment. Thank You Father for Your Son. Thank You for John, Thank You for Mary and Elizabeth. In Jesus we ask these things. Amen.